Type Of Business:
Nonprofit Organization
Expertise:
Mrs. Selden's expertise includes public relations, marketing and public speaking.
Major Product/SVS:
Services to Improve the Lives of All Disabled Persons from Conception to Natural Death through Advocacy and Education, Services and Education for the Parents of Children with Disabilities, Accessible, Centralized Database
Favorite Business Publication:
Forbes; Action Online Magazine of the United Spinal Association; Popular Photography; Mac World; Consumer Reports
Hobbies/Sports:
Spending Time with her Husband, Photographing Nature, Boating, Traveling
Education Degrees:
College Coursework
Affiliations Awards:
University of Hawaii, Manoa Center on Disability Studies; United Spinal Association; Ability Bounds; The Florida Disabilities Advocacy Group; Adfgallery Arts & Disability; VSA Oklahoma; VSA Hawaii-Pacific; Californians for Disability Rights, Inc.; Autism Society of America; Autism Speaks; The Society of Artists for Autism; VSA The International Organization on Arts and Disability; Believers in Business Network; National Association of Professional Women; Multiple Sclerosis Association of America; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; American Veterans Association; Disabled American Veterans; Veterans of Foreign War Auxiliary
Place of Birth:
Stuttgart, Germany
Spouse's Name:
Stewart Lee Selden III
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The highlight of her career was realizing that her purpose in life was to start a nonprofit disability organization advocating for children, parents and adults who have, or know someone who has, a disability.
Charity:
Hawaii Right to Life; Hawaii Dream Service Center; Stand for Life Hawaii; Hawaii Helps Disabilities, Inc.; University of Hawaii, Manoa Center on Disability Studies; Island Family Christian Church; First Presbyterian of Ko'olau; The Actors Group; National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Number Of Years In Profession:
22
Number Of Years In Current Position:
4
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her faith in God and the support she receives from her mentors.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and realized the need for an advocate to help people with disabilities.
Extended Bio Profile:
Mrs. Selden grew up in the valley of southern California. Hailing from an artistic family, she developed an eye for beauty. She served in the U.S. Navy before retiring as a disabled veteran when she received a multiple sclerosis diagnosis in October 1996. She moved on to a successful career as a marketing executive in Los Angles before leaving in 2003 because of her advancing disability. In 2004, she and her husband moved to Hawaii since it was always her dream. She developed a love for photography and was able to convey a story with a single picture. Her perspective through the lens of a camera is different than what most people see. Her work shows great depth and emotion. Yet, she noticed that her disease was progressing and her vision was affected. Though she was at first disheartened, the beauty she saw through the lens of her camera helped lift her from that darkness. Mrs. Selden was given a gift, and knew that she had to share it with others. She recorded the wonder of her beautiful home despite obstacles in her path. Her passion is to capture unique and individual moments, and discover the beauty that God has created for us to see. A gallery of her work is available at kimberly-selden.artistwebsite.com. When her disease progressed, she realized that resources for disabled individuals are not easily accessible. As a result, she founded Hawaii Helps, a nonprofit organization with a comprehensive vision. She works with the board of directors and state officials to supply assistance and support that allow individuals with disabilities to participate as equal members of society.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Overseeing the Board of Directors, Answering Telephone Calls, Resolving Social Security Issues, Advocating for Children with Disabilities, Assisting Veterans in Need of Disability Benefits
Education Certifications:
Certification in Cleaning and Restoration, Institute of Inspection; Certification, Center for Sales Strategy
Awards/Honors:
Top Fundraiser, Walk MS Hawaii (2008); Largest Team, Walk MS Hawaii (2008); Top Fundraiser, Walk MS Hawaii (2007); Vendor of the Year (2002)
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Mrs. Selden hopes to become a published author and be instrumental in the development of the organization. She also hopes to be an accomplished photographer and be featured in galleries.